Netflix Begins Production of a Series Based on The Witcher Novels

Netflix Begins Production of a Series Based on The Witcher Novels

Could this be the streaming service’s Game of Thrones?

Netflix has begun production on a series based on author Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher books.

To clarify that announcement further, the upcoming Netflix series will be based on the original Witcher novels and is not directly related to the CD Projekt Red video game franchise aside from the similarities that the two naturally share.

That fact adds a slightly humorous twist to this announcement when you consider that Sapkowski recently spoke out against the artistic merit of the Witcher game saga by calling into question the medium’s ability to properly tell such a grand story. Before that, Sapkowski also admitted that he chose not to take a percentage for the adaptation rights which he later came to regret when the series went on to gross over a billion dollars.

Apparently, the author has worked out a much better deal for the Netflix series as he spoke quite fondly about the upcoming adaptation in the official press release.

“I’m thrilled that Netflix will be doing an adaptation of my stories,” said Sapkowski. “…staying true to the source material and themes that I have spent over 30 years writing. I’m excited about our efforts together as well as the team assembled to shepherd these characters to life.”

In 2015, it was revealed that an adaptation of the original Witcher novels was in the works, but nobody was quite sure who had acquired the rights or whether or not the series would be adapted into a movie or television show. Given Netflix’s recent success with original programs, this certainly seems to be a best-case scenario for the adaptation.

The adaptation is being handled by Platige, a Polish animation and film studio, while Sean Daniel (The Mummy) and Jason Brown (The Expanse) will be assisting with production duties. Tomek Baginski, the man who directed the cinematics for the Witcher games, will also be involved with the project.

While The Witcher games do take some liberties with the source material, this series should feature quite a few familiar faces and storylines. We should know much more once the principal crew and cast are in place.